Quick and Easy Magnetic Notepad

Hello lovelies! How are things in your patch? If you're in the UK, are you having a good half term? I just loved Lu's post on creativity. I am so with her on how calming and meditative crafting is. I read somewhere that doing something creative really does switch off the troublesome thoughts running through our head, and allows our thoughts to run free........ I also find it incredibly soothing to make things. And I too choose kindness, it is truly the key to everything, I believe. 

Now onto this week's make!

Ever since my boys were tiny, we have had a weekly meal plan. With both of us working, I couldn't have managed without knowing what I needed to buy and what we were going to eat. Our menu is written on a board on the fridge, and near it sits a notepad for us to jot down things we need to buy the following week. I usually buy these notepads online, but as this one is running out, (and with my newfound love of making books) I decided to have a go at making one myself! (And if you are admiring those rather gorgeous fridge magnets above, Lu has done a tutorial on how to make them here.)

What you need is

Your choice of paper and a piece of card. I used a cereal packet, I am trying to reuse card instead of buying it wherever I can.....

Cutting mat and knife

Self adhesive magnetic tape, like this

Glue, any liquid glue you use for papercrafts will do

Clips or clothes pegs to hold the sheets together when you glue them

What you do is

Decide what size you want your notepad to be. I wanted mine similar to the ones I buy. Remember if you want lines to cut your paper the right way! I used a notebook I didn't need, and just pulled out the pages and trimmed them down. Depending on the size of your paper A4, A5 etc) you might cut each page into several sheets.

Now cut your card to the same size. I liked the look with my card slightly longer. It's all up to you!!

Stack your papers on top of your card and make sure the top edge is flat. This is where you will be putting the glue to hold the pad together. Use clips, or lie the pad under something heavy to hold in it place while it dries. Then run a line of glue along the top edge and smooth with your finger. Leave to dry for a couple of hours and then apply another layer of glue to make sure it holds together.

Now cut two strips of magnetic tape, peel off the backing paper and stick them to the back of the pad.

Voila!! How easy is that? I made a few different ones, and of course you could embellish the top, bottom or edges with stamps, embossing, stickers, washi tape...... the sky is the limit!!

In other news, Lucy is finally realising a dream of hers of writing! She is telling her story over on her new blog Lucylu Dreams. Do go and check it out, lovely readers.

with much love,

Jenny xxxxxooooo

 

Comments

[Anne Donald]

Another super tutorial - I think I may even have all the requirements in my various stashes!!I'm off to visit Lucy's new blog!
Have a great weekend, Anne xx

[Two Crafty Brownies]

Thanks, Anne, I was a bit sceptical about the glue holding all the pages together but it really does and the pages tear off easily just like a proper notepad!! Thanks for going to see Lu!

Big hugs from both of us,

Jenny xxxxx

[Kelly]

I've been a notepad user for decades and the thought of making my own never crossed my mind. I love this and may have to give it a try! It's one of those ideas where the options are endless!

Off now to check out Lucy's new blog. :)

[Two Crafty Brownies]

Hi Kelly! Ooh I do hope you give it a try! Thanks so much for always supporting us! Jenny xxxxx

[Julie]

I had one of these as a Christmas gift last year and on the fridge as our family shopping list it was just great. i was quite sad when it was all finished. I can't believe I never thought to make a replacement, doh!
I'm thinking maybe I could use paper from junk mail envelopes (which I now use for my shopping lists) and make an eco friendly version. I could make it pretty like yours.... I'm ridiculously excited about the possibilities !

[Two Crafty Brownies]

Hi Julie! What a great idea to use recycled envelopes!! Yes I am also so excited by the possibilities, lots of people will be getting these this year from me!! Hugs, Jenny xxx